Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most frequently asked questions by prospective piano students and their parents. If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch!
General
Do I need to have an instrument?
Yes. For piano students, you will need either an acoustic piano or a keyboard with a sustain pedal (rather than a button) to practise at home. A full sized, 88-key keyboard is preferable.
Trumpet students require to have their own trumpets for trumpet lessons
What's the youngest age you will teach?
For piano - Nattagan accepts students as young as three and a half years old.
For trumpet - 8 years old.
Do you teach Adults?
Absolutely! Adults of any level are welcome to enrol.
Do you teach Beginners?
Yes! We teach beginners as well as advanced students.
Do you offer fortnightly lessons?
If you are unable to commit to a regular weekly lesson time and wish to have fortnightly lessons, We do offer 5-lesson bundle casual lessons to adults to accomodate a busy schedule. This casual allows you to book a lesson when you are ready to have a lesson. Lessons must be used within 6 months of purchase.
Note: casual lesson times are subject to the availability of the studio and teacher.
See more details for Adults Lessons
I'm looking for a piano/trumpet teacher to teach at my house, Do you go over students' houses?
Unfortunately, no. We do not travel to student's place. All lessons are being held at My Music Studio.
Where are you located?
The studio is located on Morshead St, MOOROOKA. Only a minute drive away from Moorooka Shopping Centre.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
We don't offer free trial lessons, but we do encourage all new students to book a 30 min trial lesson for $50 before you commit for the whole term! This allows both teacher and student to get to know each other and see if they are a good match.
Scheduling,
Cancellations, Make-ups
What is your cancellation policy?
It's best to avoid cancellations, as we don't offer refunds. All cancellations requires 24 hours notice. In the event that your teacher can't attend a lesson we'll organise a make-up lesson.
What if I have to cancel a lesson?
Notify your teacher at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson. Please note that make-up lessons are not guaranteed for piano students, and make-up lesson option is not available for trumpet students.
What is your make-up lessons policy
For Piano Students: All students can receive one make-up lesson credit per term, regardless of the number of lessons missed. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed. If your teacher gets any cancellations from other students, you will be offered that spot for a make-up lesson.​
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For Trumpet Students: There is a NO MAKE-UP LESSON policy for trumpet students. Due to Shannon's demanding schedule as high-level professional trumpet player, your scheduled lesson times are reserved specially for you. Therefore, the scheduled lessons will be charged regardless of attendance.
How many times can I/ my child miss lessons in a term?
As many as you want. What you are paying for is your spot for the whole term, so no one else can take your time. As such, if you don’t turn up, your teacher is still here and still waiting for you at your appointed time as we cannot give it away to another student. It’s the same as rentals or school fees, you pay to keep the spot.
However, students who cancel their regular weekly time slot too often or miss three lessons in a row will lose their time slot and need to find a new time slot or switch to casual lesson option.
PLEASE NOTE: students who miss lessons often will result in slow progress.
I/my child is sick. What should I do?
Inform your teacher as SOON as possible, by leaving a text or voicemail. In the case of a last-minute cancellation such as illness or family emergency, you are still charged for the absence in order to pay the instructor for their time. That said, we understand things happen unexpectedly; you will receive a make-up lesson if your teacher gets any cancellations from other students.
Can I reschedule all the missed lessons?
No. All piano students receive ONE make-up lesson credit per term, and please note that make-up lessons are not guaranteed. You will be offered a make-up lesson when other students canceled their lessons. A make-up lesson must be used by the end of the 10th week of term. Unused make-up lessons cannot be reduced rate or carried forward over terms.
I completely forgot to come to the lesson, Could we reschedule?
No. Cancellations requires 24 hours notice. No make-up or credit will be given for ANY missed lessons when there was no notice given, no show, or cancelling 3 hours before the scheduled lesson.
Can I have lessons during school holidays?
School holiday lessons are offered separately depending on the availability of your teacher.
Lessons
Do students go through examinations?
Yes, but we only send our students for examinations when we think that they are ready for exams.
What lesson length do I need?
For most beginner and intermediate students, we recommend 30–45 minute lessons. Though some students do very well with 60 mins lesson.
Advanced or exam students, we recommend 60 minutes.
Adults are recommended to take 45-60 minute lessons.
Can I sit in on my child’s music lesson?
We have a waiting room for parents to sit while waiting for their child. You won't be in the same room while your child having a lesson but you will be able to see what's happening in the lesson. However, please keep in mind that while some students work better with a parent observing, others may find it distracting. The teacher will give you some advice on this after they get to know your child. Often, it works to have parents around but not interacting, just auditing the lesson so as to show interest and concern and in certain cases helps students to focus better.